Silicon makes low-voltage gas sensor

Georgia Tech Professor of Electronics James Gole has an idea that may reduce the voltage consumption of biomedical sensors. He uses porous silicon and a unique metallization process for a new sensor that detects gaseous compounds. Unlike other sensors based on porous silicon, Gole and his collaborators reduce the resistance of the electrodes built into the silicon, allowing the sensor to operate between 1 and 10 millivolts. "It operates on a voltage much less than that of a watch battery," says Gole. "It is small enough to be taken into the field with a troop contingent or any other group concerned about the presence of harmful gases." The sensor is based on a silicon wafer and operates at room temperature. It is manufactured using integrated circuit production techniques. Gole says the sensor could be integrated into electronic equipment and used for making sensing arrays. For more information, call Gole at (404) 894-4029 or send e-mail to [email protected].